New 128 GB RAM Options Available for Mac Pro

A couple of weeks ago we reported that new modules from Transcend can improve the memory capacity of the new Mac Pros by up to 128 GB of RAM, which is double Apple's stated maximum of 64 GB. At the time, we didn't have a price, but Transcend later revealed that such power would cost you around $2,500. Alternative models are now available, reports MacRumors, but they'll still cost a similar amount of cash.

Even so, every bit helps. Today OWC announced an alternative 128 GB kit for $2,130, representing a savings of $350 over Transcend's model. OWC's kit also marks a price improvement over last week's announcement of Axiom's 32 GB modules priced at $620 apiece, which brought the total for a full set of four up to $2,480.

There are a couple of minor limitations, which is likely Apple's reasoning for claiming the Mac Pro maxes out at 64 GB. All three of the new 128 GB kits run at 1066 MHz on account of the limitations of the Intel chipset, while smaller kits can reach speeds of 1866 MHz. For its part, OWC says the speed differences are minimal.

In their words, "While current DRAM device technology limit 32GB modules to a 1066MHz memory clock in the Apple Mac Pro 2013, due to enhanced CAS Performance of OWC MaxRAM 32GB Modules, actual real-world performance is insignificant in low memory need scenarios while offering incredibly significant performance gains in all cases where application use benefits from greater than 64GB of total memory installed."

But even if you don't have the need for such massive RAM improvements, OWC still has some good news for you. Their 8 GB and 16 GB RAM modules are reportedly much less expensive than those offered by Apple, which means you could buy a Mac Pro with minimal upgrades and then head to OWC's site to build the computer you want.